Monday, 21 June 2010

Paraguay Win, Brazil Win, Chile Win. Happy Days

Paraguay took control of Group F after a convincing 2-0 victory over Slovakia in Bloemfontein. The opening goal came after 27 minutes, when a flowing move saw Enrique Vera curl the ball past Mucha with the outside of the right boot. It was an indifferent performance from the Slovakians who showed no urgency in the game, even after going a goal behind.

Paraguay then went into containment mode as they were happy to hold onto what they had but the Slovakians couldn't find a way though the resolute defence. Paraguay went for the throat and grabbed a second four minutes from time when a fierce drive from Riveros from the edge of the area found the back of the net. With Italy and New Zealand drawing it means a point will be enough for Paraguay to reach the Round of 16.

The Seleção made sure of qualification for the Round of 16 after a 3-1 victory over Côte D'Ivoire at Soccer City. The Ivorians included Didier Drogba from the start, only 16 days after breaking his elbow in a warm up match but he couldn't inspire his team. The Seleção took the lead after 25 minutes when Luís Fabiano and Kaká combined and the Seville striker slammed the ball home. Fabiano doubled the lead five minutes after the break, after some close control and a hint of handball he finished from close range.

The Seleção were in control, Kaká should have made it three but shot straight at the keeper. Moments later though, Kaká turned provider and Elano grabbed his second goal of the tournament on 62 minutes. A header from Drogba pulled a goal back for Ivorians ten minutes from time before a controversial finish to the game. After getting himseld stupidly booked moment earlier, Kaká was dismissed by French referee after Abdelkader Keita collapsed holding his face after a collision between the players which should have warranted a yellow card to the Ivorian player for simulation rather than the dismissal of Kaká.

Kaká now miss the final group game against Portugal on Friday. The Potuguese defeated DPR Korea 7-0 leave themselved in second place in the group. A draw will suit both sides on Friday but a win for Portugal would win them the group and it could meanthe Seleção avoid the currently struggling Spaniards in the Round of 16.

A late header from Mark González was enough to see Chile make it two from two and almost certainly put Chile into the Round of 16. It ended up with referee Khalil Al Ghamdi playing the biggest part in this game, he booked Humberto Suazo for a poor challenge within 70 seconds of the game starting and this set the tone for the afternoon. In all the referee dished out 6 yellow cards to Chile players and three yellows and a red to Switzerland with Valeron Bahrami the player to see red after elbowing Arturo Vidal after 32 minutes.

After the dismissal Switzerland set about hanging on for a 0-0 draw and set about defending for their lives. They eventually beat the record for the longest run without conceding at the World Cup Finals but they were breached 15 minutes from time. Estaban Parades with the cross and the CSKA Moskva player was at the back post to head home despite the efforts of Lichtsteiner on the line. Swiss substitute Eren Derdiyok then bombed a golden chance from 12 yards to level late on but Chile hung on to take the three points.

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